April 20, 2009

Patrick Kane a game-time decision to play Game 3 vs. Flames

CALGARY -- The Blackhawks' Patrick Kane is questionable for Game 3 of the Western Conference playoffs against the Calgary Flames tonight.

The second-year winger wasn't on the ice for the morning skate at the Pengrowth Saddledome and afterward Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said Kane was "resting" and a decision on whether he'll play will be made shortly before the game.

Quenneville said rookie Colin Fraser would likely replace Kane in the lineup if Kane can't go.

Ah, classic playoff mind games. Quenneville may just be trying to get into Keenan's head even more than the Hawks already have. It might give him a false sense of hope for game 3. This seems eerily similar to those situations when NFL players who don't practice during a playoff week. Unless Kaner really is hurt, he'll play. "Resting" sounds more like he's fatigued than injured. I wouldn't worry about it.

All those who think Kane is over-rated... keep in mind that the opposing teams are using their top guys to defend him. Even if he's not visibly effective on the score sheet, he's occupying their top defenders, and his skill is opening up the ice for others. Take him out of the line-up and Havlat / Toews / Sharp face a more focused defense.

Not sure if I would call him overrated or not. I do know that he needs to bulk up a little bit and work on his strength. He is only 20 years old! Some kids aren't able to fill out more until they get higher in age. Luckily, Toews doesn't have the same problem and can use his strength to his advantage. We can win without Kane, JT not so sure about!!

If it's flu that could be trouble, as it tends to go through a locker room.

If anyone remembers back in Colorado a few, h*** many years ago, Balfour got food poisoning at a Denver eatery right before a playoff game. Hawks lost that one, and I still harbor a suspicion the chef was an Avs fan.

Kane needs to bulk up, take the soother out of his mouth and toughen up. He has some good skills but he is not my kind of hockey player. Too small, too weak and overrated. I'm just glad they didn't make him captain, .... Toews is a much better all around player and leader.

That said, I think PK needs to bulk up over the off season. Now that he has been in the league awhile, everyone knows his skill sets and he won't be "sneaking up" on any teams. Other teams figured out how to handle him, his incredible hands and shot...TAKE THE BODY!!! WELCOME TO THE NHL PATRICK!!!!!

Some (or at least one) of these comments are absurd. He's 20 years old, weighs about 165 pounds, and has a team without an enforcer. After his first year Gretzky never took the shots that Kane has received and while Kane is in no way comparable to Gretz in anything other than physical stature, he needs to be protected and if that costs a penalty or a game then so be it. The Hawks need to address that in the off season and pair a Semenko-like guy with Kane. If Buff had more anger he would be the guy. I didn't see every second of the first 2 games, but Bourque seemed ot take some huge shots at PK with no retaliation. Part of that is the Hawks were behind early, but still...

Perhaps Q anticipates Calgary pulling out all the stops and playing an even more physical game that might be a bloodbath and he doesn't want to subject Kane to abuse.

Chicago....Hawk fan here for 50 plus years...Give Kaner a break. He is 20, give him at least 2-3 more years to bulk up....This guy has shown what he can do and although very talented, let him develop , this guy is a budding superstar. Calgary will take cheap shots at our skilled players because they are goons and can't skate with the Hawks youth and speed....

About this blog

I do remember the roar. And I remember my first Blackhawks game. I grew up in the western suburbs and my father took me to Chicago Stadium on Feb. 20, 1980 when Tony Esposito and the Hawks downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2.

My most vivid memories of the night are Esposito taking a slap shot to the head and collapsing, sending the crowd of 9,322 into a stunned silence. After a few minutes the Hall of Fame goaltender stood up, received a standing ovation and finished the game.

It was also the night the United States Olympic hockey team defeated West Germany 4-2 en route to a meeting with the Soviet Union and an eventual gold medal. When the score was announced the crowd broke into a chant of "USA! USA!" How could I not get hooked on hockey?

I started working at the Tribune while still in high school at Hinsdale South and I've been a copy editor, page designer, high school sports editor and now a beat reporter for an Original Six team. What a strange trip, indeed.

There's no truth to the rumor I bought a condo in the West Loop so I can take the No. 20 bus to work, but it does help make the commute to the United Center rather short.